‘We did not collapse’ Pauw is enjoying the upcoming Sweden WC qualifiers

Sugar Mizzy March 9, 2022

When it comes to finding inspiration for Ireland’s trip to Sweden on April 12, Vera Pauw does not have to look too far.

Girls in Green welcomed the number 2 ranked team in the world to Tallaght Stadium already in October and lost a narrow 1-0 loss.

Sweden looks to run away with the top spot in Group A in the World Cup qualifiers, but that does not stop Pauw and her team from seeking results in the enemy’s territory.

“The only way to approach it is for all of us to realize the resistance we are facing, that we have felt the resistance we will face,” Pauw said. Sky Sports.

“It’s not like we want to sit back, but I’m afraid Sweden will push us back. We will record a boys’ match in that camp, more or less (based on) the pressure from Sweden. So it will be a enormous pressure. “

The Republic of Ireland has made an energetic effort so far in the qualifiers, as they are second in their group, one point ahead of Finland in third place.

After the Swedish challenge, they travel to Georgia and host Finland, before ending their group games with an away trip to Slovakia.

October 21, 2021; Stina Blackstenius from Sweden in action against Katie McCabe from Ireland during the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 qualifying group a match between Ireland and Sweden at Tallaght Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Eóin Noonan / Sportsfile

But one point, at least, would be a huge advantage for Ireland to win in Sweden. Given their resolute performance in their most recent meeting, Pauw has seen what can work.

“What this team has is that they never collapse. We have come back so often after a setback. This team will be strong. I think that is the key to getting you to qualify.”

“You never collapse, no matter what happens. If we had collapsed from the own goal (in the home game), then it would have been 5-0 at home. But we did not collapse.”

Pauw about qualifying for a big tournament

The Republic of Ireland has never qualified for a major tournament, but they were close to qualifying for this summer’s European Championships.

They fell to third place in their qualifying group in the hands of Ukraine. Pauw believes that a change in the qualification systems is needed in the future.

“Very simple – to not only have number two in the playoffs, but also three. So they have crossovers. Then you get the best teams,” she suggested.

“Sometimes I have a feeling that I’m the only one who sees this, because when I talk to other coaches or managers, they say, yes, it would be better.”

“You can put (the playoffs) in a window. If you do the crossover, it does not take an extra day, it just does not. I do not understand why it is not done.”